Tag Archives: archer

A few from the bookshelf
Apr 13 2018

Sponsorship, freebies etc

I was recently asked at a shoot whether I’m sponsored by any archery retailers or suppliers, when it comes to getting hands on books or equipment for my reviews.

The simple answer to this is no, I’m not sponsored by anyone or linked to any company.
As many of you know I’m a registered NFAS coach and a member of a couple of archery clubs but that is all. I don’t work for an archery company, though I do occasionally write for Bow International.

Bow international

I have occasionally been given products to review and I’m happy to do this, but it is on the understanding that it is a fair and honest review based on my experience and not a promotional piece.
When I have written equipment reviews for items I’ve been given, I will submit the review to the supplier, for feedback and comment. This has meant that on a couple of occasions I’ve pulled a review. I feel very strongly that any review I give is as fair as it can be, based on my experiences or observations. I would like to thank those suppliers who have been good enough and open enough to offer their equipment for my perspective.
Most of the time though I’ve just bought the book or item myself out of my own pocket, reading it, trying the techniques, testing it, sometimes to destruction. This is why I don’t get to write many reviews as I do take my time trying stuff out and limited funds.
Check out the different reviews by clicking on the categories list
Thanks for reading.
Sharon shooting 3D deer
Apr 6 2018

Shoot Report – Harlequin Bowhunters – February 2018

Harlequin Bowhunters

Harlequin Bow hunters NFAS shoot

It had been almost a year since we’d shot Harlequins course, not for any reason other than something always came up, so we were curious to see how it had changed. So on what was a bright but cold Sunday morning we headed north up the motorway to Harlequins grounds. Those interested can read a previous shot report here.

Julie about to start the show

Julie about to start the show

Sadly the start of the shoot was slightly delayed as they suffered from quite a few no shows (over a dozen) which caused the mighty admin team of Julie and Sam some hassle on the day as they tried to re-arrange the remaining 120 or so archers.
There would only be four of us in the shooting group, with big voice and little voice as they were nicknamed or better knows as Colin and Corinne both from Centaura Bowmen joining Sharon and myself.
2D bobcat target in the cover of the tree

2D bobcat target in the cover of the tree

Harlequins ground is pretty flat with dense area of evergreens of Laurel or Rhododendrons, and deciduous woodland, which houses there 36 target course. This being a mix of paper,3D and 2D targets. I have to say I’m not a huge fan of the 2D targets as it can be a real struggle to draw arrows from.
Sharon shooting 3D deer

Sharon shooting 3D deer

The low winter sun and lack of leaf cover on the trees, resulted in us struggling with some shot as they proved very hard to see.
Sharon shooting into the sun between trees

Sharon shooting into the sun between trees

I’m not sure if it was the low level of the sun (I hadn’t picked up my reactolites glasses) or something else, but by lunchtime I had developed a headache, which gradually got worse as the day progressed. The shoot was a shoot through with a couple of opportunities to pass catering and grab some hot food or drink, definitely something that was needed on the day. It was good to see Harlequin seemed to have recovered from the vandalism they suffered last year.
2D Tiger target between the trees

2D Tiger target between the trees

I thought the course was ok, with a mix of short, medium and long shots. There were a few familiar shots along with several new shots that worked well. My only observation was it felt quite tight in a few spots where you were close to next or previous shot, especially if you were the second group waiting to shoot. Having said this I know that they are looking to reset the course in readiness for their next shoot.
As the sun went down so did the temperature, along with making a few shots more challenging to see with the sun in your arrows.
3D target set between the trees

3D target set between the trees in dappled sunlight

Of all the shots I think the one I liked the most was the 2D Kangaroo target in the hollow, it was framed really well and just looked good. Always think if a shoot looks good, archers will enjoy shooting it.
2D Kangaroo target set between the trees in a hollow

2D Kangaroo target set between the trees in a hollow

Though the day was a bit slow especially in the second half, seeing us waiting on most of the targets, we had a good laugh which helped to keep my mind off my headache. By the end of the shoot my head was pounding and painkillers weren’t doing much. For that reason we decided to leave early. This was the first time i’d left a shoot before the prize giving but knowing we had over an hour drive home, due to road works I wanted to get home.
In some ways I was glad we left when we did as by the time we had got home my headache had got worse despite the painkillers. I was worried it might be developing into a full blown migraine, which sadly it did by Monday. I ended up spending most of Monday in bed, with the curtains drawn. Thankfully I don’t get migraines often.
Thanks for reading.
Apr 1 2018

Another archery club targeted by thieves

Some of you may have seen my tweet that Centaura Bowmen archery club outside Derby has been added to the list of clubs targeted by thieves. Here are the details that I know of and taken from the NFAS Facebook group.

Facebook notice of thefts

Facebook notice of thefts

Over the past few months I’ve heard of a number of clubs that have been hit, whether by thefts, trespass or vandalism.

So what can we do?

  • We can all keep an eye out for suspicious characters at our clubs or woods.
  • Cultivate links with other local clubs and groups, so you can share news and alerts.
  • We can be careful how we promote the clubs locations on public websites.
  • Securing the huts, sheds etc seems like common sense, but having been a victim of thieves I know that simply putting a lock on the door is not always enough. When we were last broken into they got past the lock and quality padlock by forcing panels out of the door.
  • Think about marking your equipment with club name, or branding the 3Ds with club name is something I know a few clubs have done. You could invest in smart water option too for the more expensive items.
  • If we see deals that appear too good to be true on sites like eBay or offered locally, be suspicious.
  • I know some clubs have invested in security systems, whether these be alarms or cameras. Inexpensive trail cameras, the sort used for wildlife monitoring can prove an effective way of monitoring who actually visits your woodland. If you do use these, you have to post signs stating CCTV is in use.
Try a search for  digital game / trail / hunting cameras and you’ll find them.
I have one such camera VWTech 720p / 8MP low light visions – this captures both still images or video depending on what I set. It’s an old model now but has worked pretty well for me over the years.
Here are a few examples of what it captures, both day and night.
Pretty clear image of badger at night with trail cam

Pretty clear image of badger at night with trail cam

Fox in daylight with trail cam

Fox in daylight with trail cam

Fox by night with trail cam

Fox by night with trail cam

Most if not all will display a time and date of the visitor too.
Thanks for reading